Dr. Lanae Mullane, ND
Connection: Lanae and I have known each other for almost a decade. We met when I was working at a functional medicine office and was tasked with picking her up from the airport to bring her back for an interview. During our drive we chatted about life in Los Angeles and the work culture at the office (which didn’t have the best reputation, but it had some of the best group of girls, ever). Fast forward almost a decade later, Lanae and I haven’t worked at that office in a long time but we’ve remained great friends and cheer each other on from the sidelines. She recently opened up her own holistic health and wellness practice, and as a current client I feel like everyone should know about the incredible work she does because she has changed the way I see food, hormones, and motivation to move my body. Every single time I talk to her I learn something new, whether it’s a new brand of nontoxic sunscreen, these delicious electrolytes, hormone regulation through seed cycling, or how you should practice using food for medicine first. Not only is Lanae incredibly smart and knowledgeable of the health and wellness space, she is one of the kindest humans I know.
Name: Dr. Lanae Mullane, ND
Location: Fallbrook, CA
Self Description: Doctor. Mother. Nature Enthusiast.
On health & wellness
What is one piece of advice you would share with someone who is beginning their health and wellness journey? To anyone embarking on a health and wellness journey, remember: balance is key. It’s the golden rule that harmonizes effort with relaxation, nourishment with indulgence, and activity with rest.
What is your favorite thing to do with your girlfriends? Spending quality time with my girlfriends is my favorite way to recharge and stay connected, regardless of the setting. From organizing Friday morning get-togethers with our kids to share the week's triumphs and challenges, to seeking fresh air and life advice on a hike, or even exchanging motherhood memes through group chats, the essence of our bond lies in staying connected in any way we can.
What is something you changed in your life, to change your life for the better? A pivotal change in my life was adopting the flex cup—a non-toxic, reusable menstrual cup. It revolutionized my approach to menstrual care, making it more sustainable and convenient, marking a significant shift towards environmental consciousness and personal health.
If someone wants to know more about the process of working with you as a client, what can they expect? Working with me as a client promises a tailored experience that acknowledges your current state while aspiring towards one’s health goals. Embracing the naturopathic principle of 'Docere' (doctor as teacher), I strive to educate and empower each client, guiding informed choices for their health journey, accompanied by unwavering support.
What is one nutritional tip you'd want everyone to know or start doing right away? A nutritional insight I advocate for is the recognition that there's no one-size-fits-all diet. Despite the monolithic diets often promoted on social media, true nourishment is multifaceted—encompassing metabolic needs, social interactions, cultural relevance, and personal joy. Embrace diversity in your diet; your microbiome (and you) will thrive on the variety.
What advice would you give someone who is having a tough day? A wise friend once taught me the difference between seeking rapport or report in conversations, especially on tough days. Sometimes, sharing without seeking solutions is all the therapy you need. It's a communication strategy that has transformed how I navigate emotional challenges and connect with my partner.
On motherhood
What does a typical morning look like for you? A typical morning in our household is embraced with the warmth of waking up cuddled between my little ones. We journey together to the kitchen, where the day begins with the ritual of making breakfast, enriched by the joy of my coffee and their excitement to collect eggs from our chickens. The menu often features eggs, toast with a choice of marmite or jam, and a handful of blueberries – a simple feast made together.
What advice would you give a new mom who is going through it for the first time? For new moms navigating the vast sea of motherhood for the first time, my advice is to trust your instinct. You are stronger and more intuitive than you realize. Embrace the chaos, accept help, and remember that it's perfectly okay to not have all the answers. Each day is a new lesson; be gentle with yourself.
What are some of your favorite things you like to do with your kids? Our favorite activities are those spent outdoors, immersing ourselves in the nurturing embrace of nature. Whether it's planting flowers, racing on dirt mounds, watering plants, or the simple joy of eating peas straight from the garden, these moments of barefoot adventures and dirt-covered bodies is a sign of a day well played.
What is your favorite memory with your children? One of my most cherished memories is the tranquil baths I shared with them as infants. A wise friend once advised, "Forget the baby tubs, share the bath with them." Those slow moments of serene connection, marveling at each little finger and toe, are moments I will always treasure.
Was motherhood something that came naturally to you or did it take some time to find your rhythm? Motherhood, for me, unveiled a magical transformation. From the moment my first child was born, a profound bond and an innate understanding of their emotional needs blossomed instinctively. It felt as if a new dimension of my being was awakened, one that inherently knew how to nurture and love. This sudden emergence of maternal instinct was also the culmination of years spent in the company of powerful and amazing mothers. Their examples of strength, love, resilience, and wisdom had silently woven themselves into the fabric of my being, preparing me for this journey. Which I called nearly each of them after giving birth and apologized that I did not show up the way I should have for them.
What is one product you'd recommend for a mom of a newborn/toddler? For moms navigating the tender journey from pregnancy through postpartum, especially with the unique challenges that can arise, such as waiting those extra weeks beyond the due date (both mine were two weeks past), I highly recommend the Expectful app. It became a little sanctuary for me, a place to steal a few minutes each day to meditate, calm the noise, and stay grounded amidst the whirlwind of emotions and anticipation. Expectful is thoughtfully designed to support mothers in every stage of motherhood, offering guided meditations that cater specifically to the needs and experiences of expecting and new mothers. I found it to sort of like a companion that understood the highs and lows of motherhood, providing comfort and a sense of connection during times when you need it most.
All favorable mentions are linked below with a brief description
Album: "You Are Free" by Cat Power is the album that resonates deeply with me. It was the soundtrack to my journey into young adulthood, capturing all the tumultuous, hormonal emotions that period entails. Its melodies and lyrics felt like a guiding light through those transformative years, making it an unforgettable part of my musical history. Playlist: Currently, I'm all about the vibes from Tyler Childers, Zach Bryan, and Nikki Lane. Their music, a blend of soul-stirring lyrics and compelling melodies, perfectly suits my mood and the moments I find myself seeking comfort or inspiration. Podcast: Let's be real, while I do dabble in the enlightening and educational realms of podcasting, it's the true crime stories that have me at 'hello'. I mean, why do I find the soothing tones of a Dateline episode more relaxing than a spa day? Maybe I need to ponder that with a therapist, but honestly, who can resist being lulled into a sense of serenity by Keith Morrison's voice? Beauty Tip: An important lesson I learned – express yourself authentically and embrace your natural beauty. Just be cautious with trends like over-plucking eyebrows; some of us learned that the hard way in the 90s! Skincare Product: Mineral-based sunscreen is a staple for both me and my kids. I trust brands like Think for effective protection that's kind to our skin and the environment. Makeup Product: Thrive mascara, it is a tubing mascara. So it comes off easily! Small Business we should support: Boobcube offers an innovative, sustainable solution for breastmilk storage that I wish was around during my breastfeeding days. Their First Drop Kit is a game-changer for new moms navigating the world of sustainable milk storage. Recipe: We are trying to keep up with all the beets from our garden, this is one of my favorite beet recipes. The color is so vibrant and my kids love it. Favorite store in another town, state or country? There is a great smoothie shop in our town of Fallbrook called Cultivate. They make delicious colorful smoothies and create a sunny little ambiance. Perfect stop on a warm day. I am a huge fan of supporting local.
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